Road Tests: Kawasaki Z1B; BMW R90-S; Can-Am 175 MX2; Suzuki GT185; Technical: Yamaha Overhaul – when your piston tells you it’s time for a change; Features: The Horsepower Game – juggling the numbers for fun and profit; BM Wunderbike – did Volkswagen miss the boat by not making motorcycles?; more

Cover: Chips ahoy! Gentleman Jim Holley leaps our test Honda XL600R over Larry Wilcox (of CHiPs fame), while Sheila Sieman ponders the Hollywood ticket she just received. Will Holly make it? Will Sheila get grounded? Will Larry call for Eric Enchilada and get the SWAT team after Jim?

Straight-line performance is the best proof of Can-Am chassis rigidity. The double-loop high tensile steel frame incorporates engine as integral part. The massive main tube, extending from seat to head stock, not only adds to overall frame stiffness, but also serves as the engine oil reservoir…Can-Am Motorcycles by bombardier

Tests: Kawasaki KZ1100 Shaft, Honda GL650; Features: First Look – Honda V45 Interceptor – racebike styling, a new frame and more horsepower for the V45 make this the most sporting of all Hondas; Harley-Davidson for 1983; Six new models from Can-Am; One year with Husqvarna 430WR; Danny LaPorte is world champion; Brad Lackey’s bad bike – the world-beating Suzuki RN500-32-3; Erv Kanemoto helps make Freddie Spencer fast; more

When Gary Jones finished first in the 250cc National Motocross 1974 Championship, it marked the third straight year he rode off with AMA’s No. 1 plate. And when teammates Marty Tripes and Jim Ellis finished second and third, one bike marque had emerged as the first to ever sweep the series’ first three places. That winning marque was Can-Am. And sparking its 1-2-3 finish were Champion Gold Palladium spark plugs. The premium performance spark plugs for competition and street.